November 2010

Monthly Archive

Sat 20 Nov 2010

WINTER IS COMING…SAFE DRIVING TIPS

Posted by Allan under Auto Collisions , Employee Safety , Travel , Winter Driving
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The official start of winter this year is not until December 21, but it won’t be long before we gets hit with an onslaught of ice, snow, and limited visibility that makes driving difficult and at times nearly impossible. To arrive at your destination safely, you’ll need to take precautions and be particularly patient during treacherous winter weather.

When weather conditions deteriorate, too many motorists skid off the road or crash because they were driving too fast for conditions. “The posted speed limits are for dry pavement, and those speeds may be hazardous when there’s ice or snow on the road. The slogan ‘Snow Means Slow’ also applies to four-wheel drive and other heavy duty vehicles, which need ample distance for stopping on slippery roads, just like other vehicles.

This time of year, visibility can be poor, and it will be much worse if you don’t remove all frost, ice and snow on your vehicle’s windows. “Clearing a small patch on a windshield or rear window is not sufficient. You must be able to see in all directions at all times to avoid crashes. Clearing snow and ice from the lights, hood and roof also helps improve visibility and safety.

To minimize the dangers of winter driving, follow these safety tips:

  • Always wear your seat belt even if traveling a short distance. You and your passengers absolutely need this protection even in low speed “fender-bender” collisions.
  • Watch for slippery bridge decks. They ice up quicker than adjacent pavement.
  • Look farther ahead than you normally do. Loss of traction and other actions by vehicles ahead of you will alert you sooner to upcoming slippery spots and other hazards.
  • Brake early and correctly. It takes much longer to stop in adverse conditions.
  • Don’t pump anti-lock brakes. With anti-lock brakes, the correct braking method is to “stomp and steer.”
  • Don’t be overconfident about the traction of four-wheel drive vehicles, which generally won’t stop or grip the road in curves any better than two-wheel drive vehicles.
  • Avoid cutting in front of trucks, which take longer than automobiles to slow down or stop.
  • Leave plenty of room for snowplows. By law, you must stay back at least 200 feet from the rear of a snowplow.

MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS KILLS AND INJURES MORE EMPLOYEES/WORKERS, THAN ANY OTHER TYPE OF INCIDENT

 

Sun 14 Nov 2010

OSHA Inspections

Posted by Allan under Employee Safety , OSHA
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The Different Types of Inspections carried out by OSHA

Usually, inspectors are sent out by OSHA to various work sites. There are many different reasons to this. OSHA compliance officers suspect potential danger, and then inspect. Through this inspection, OSHA can respond to the complaints put in by the workers, the accidents and fatal injuries. Regular inspections and visits are programmed by OSHA. This is done to catch hold of violations. Often there are chances of a re-inspection after the first inspection comes up with violations. The various kinds of inspections carried out by the OSHA inspectors are as listed below:

Imminent Danger: If an OSHA officer is absolutely certain that there exists a life threatening danger at the work site, they consult the employer and ask him to either eliminate the danger or evacuate all the employees from it. Here, the officer does not even wait for the regular OSHA procedures to be followed. If the employer refuses to comply, OSHA applies to the federal district court. If he complies, OSHA re-inspects the work sites after a number of allotted days.

Investigative: OSHA investigates those accidents that cause serious injuries and even death. The inspection should be carried out as soon as the injury causing hazard has been gotten rid off. Inspection is usually recommended by OSHA after one day. Inspectors interview all the employees, the supervisors, first responders and the law enforcement officers.

Employee Complaint: say that any employee, who feels that their employer is violating the OSHA standards, can ask OSHA to perform an inspection. However, the inspection is not limited to only the complaint. Other areas too, that have not been mentioned in the complaint, may be inspected.

Programmed: Basic inspections are carried out by OSHA at hazardous work sites. These work sites are selected on the basis of the reported accidents, fatalities and dangers that are associated with the work carried out at that site.

Re-inspection: After the violations are found at an industrial facility, the employer is notified of it by OSHA. Also, he is allowed an adequate period of time to correct the cited problems. The employer has all the rights to challenge the violations. At this, OSHA responds by taking into consideration the point of view of the employer. It might also make the appropriate arrangements with the employer. If the citation is upheld, a follow up inspection is carried out to see if the violations have been put right.